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Attracting investment isn’t just about having a great product; it’s about building trust and connections. A strong network can help open doors, even before your product is fully developed. This is why founders often say, "It's who you know, not just what you build."
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There are two main paths to meeting investors: warm introductions (through a mutual contact) and cold outreach (reaching out directly). Each has pros and cons. Warm intros build trust quickly, while cold outreach is more challenging but can still work if done right.
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Warm intros come from people the investor already knows, which helps build trust faster. Founders often get these intros through their network, advisors, or even former colleagues. Building a network within investor circles takes time but can make fundraising easier down the road.
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Cold outreach requires careful planning. It’s not just about reaching out to as many investors as possible; it’s about being strategic. By learning about an investor’s interests, recent activity, and portfolio, you can craft a message that’s relevant to them, making them more likely to respond.
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Knowing who to approach is half the battle. Investor data tells you who invests in your sector, their typical funding stages, and their recent activity. This information helps you avoid “spray and pray” outreach and focus on investors who are more likely to be interested in your startup.
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Investors don’t just pick startups at random—they have a thesis, meaning they invest based on specific themes or goals. By researching this thesis, you can better understand if an investor might be a good fit. Key details like their recent investments or any publicly stated goals help you decide if reaching out is worthwhile.
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